service interval Seat Altea XL 2011 Owner's Manual

Cockpit59
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
panel display
4).
Stop the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the
coolant level ⇒ page 240 ⇒.
Even if the coolant level is correct do not continue driving. You should obtain
technical assistance.
WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety warn-
ings ⇒page 233.
Caution
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. At
high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the
engine overheating.Rev counter
The rev counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per
minute.The start of the red zone ⇒page 57, fig. 34 indicates the maximum
engine speed operating at service temperature. However, it is advisable to
change up to a hi ghe r gea r, m ov e th e s e le cto r le ve r to D o r lif t you r fo ot of f t he
accelerator before the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
The rev counter needle must never enter the red zone on the scale. Risk of
engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
C h a n g i ng u p i n t o h i g h e r ge a r s e a r l y wi ll h e l p yo u t o r e d u ce f u e l co ns u m p t i o n ,
emissions and minimise engine noise.SpeedometerThe speedometer is equipped with a digital odometer and a trip recorder, in
addition to a service intervals display.
During the running-in period, the instructions shown on ⇒page 205 should
be followed.Setting the digital clock*
The digital clock is located in the instrument panel display.– Turn the setting knob ⇒page 57, fig. 34 clockwise until the
first “click” to set the hour. The hour will flash. To change the
hour, press the button.
– Turn the setting knob clockwise to the second “click” to set the minutes. The minutes will flash. To change the minutes, press the
button.
4)Depending on the model version
A4
A5
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 59 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12

Cockpit61
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Digital instrument panel displayDisplay (without warnin g or information texts)
The display in the instrument panel shows, amongst other
things, the mileage and trip recorder as well as the selector
lever position.
Digital clock display ⇒page 59. On the right of the display: Selector
lever position display for the automatic gearbox*. The current position of
the selector lever or the gear which is engaged (for tiptronic)* is high-
lighted.
Outside temperature.
Odometer or flexible service interval display.*
Displayed categories*
The display on the instrument panel shows the mileage and
trip recorder as well as the selector lever position.
Clock: “Setting the time”. On the right of the display: Selector lever posi-
tion display for the automatic gearbox*. The actual position of the
selector lever or the gear which is engaged (for tiptronic) is highlighted.
There are optional and automatic displays in this field.
– Optional indicators: e.g. those on the multifunction display (MFI)
– Automatic indicators: Information and warning messages.
– Menus providing further information and which can be used to make diverse settings are also shown: “Instrument panel menus”
Outside temperature:
Odometer or flexible service interval display.
Fig. 38 Detailed view of
the instrument panel:
screen with different indi-
cators
A1A2A3
Fig. 39 Digital instru-
ment panel display
A1A2A3A4
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 61 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12

Cockpit
62Recommended gear display*
This display helps to save fuel.Use the gear display to save fuel. If you are driving in the correct gear, a dot
will be shown next to the gear display. If you are not in the correct gear, an
arrow will appear next to the gear display indicating whether you should
change up or down.Odometer or flexible service interval displayOdometer
The left-hand counter in the display registers the total amount of distance
covered by the vehicle.
The right-hand counter registers the short journeys. The last digit indicates
steps of 100 metres. The trip recorder counter may be reset by holding down
the reset button for a few seconds. Service interval display
Ve hi cle s wi th Service intervals dependent on time/distance travelled
already
have certain service intervals set. The intervals are calculated individually in
vehicles with LongLife service .
The service interval display only indicates the dates of services that include
engine oil change. The dates of all other services, such as Inspection Service
or brake fluid change, appear in the sticker on the door pillar or in the Main-
tenance Programme.
A Service pre-warning will appear in the odometer if a service is due soon. A
“spanner” symbol appears and the display “km” with the distance that can
be driven until the next service appointment is due. The display will change
after approximately 10 seconds. A “clock symbol” appears and the number
of days until the service appointment should be carried out. The following
message is shown in the instrument panel display*:
Service in
[XXXX]
km
or
[XXXX]
days
The service message will disappear approximately 20 seconds after the igni-
tion is switched on or the engine is running. The normal display can be
resumed by briefly pressing the reset button on the trip counter or by pressing
the button on the steering wheel controls.
With the ignition on, you can check the current service message at any
moment in the Vehicle status menu or turning the reset button to access the
service display.
An overdue service is indicated by a minus sign in front of the mileage or day
information.
Fig. 40 Gear display
OK
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 62 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12

Cockpit63
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Indications for vehicles with LongLife service
Technical progress has made it possible to considerably reduce servicing
requirements. With the LongLife System, SEAT ensures that your vehicle only
has an interval service when it is necessary. The length of the service intervals
(max. two years) is determined by factors such as conditions under which the
vehicle is used and personal driving style.
The service pre-warning will first appear 20 days before the date on which the
service is due. The distance travelled is rounded off to the nearest 100 km
and the time to full days. The current service message can only be consulted
500 km after the last service. Until that time, only dashes are displayed.
Note
•If you reset the display manually, the next service interval will be indi-
cated after 15,000 km or one year and will not be calculated individually.•Do not reset the display between service intervals as the display will
otherwise be incorrect.•In LongLife Service vehicles, if the battery is disconnected for a long
period, the days remaining until the next service cannot be calculated. There-
fore, the service message displays on the instrument panel may be incorrect.
Take into account the maximum authorised service intervals.
Multifunction display (MFI)*
The multifunction display (MFI) shows you information on the
journey and fuel consumption.
Fig. 41 Rocker buttons A
and B. Steering wheel
controls.Fig. 42 Digital instru-
ment panel display
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 63 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12

Cockpit81
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will continue
until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warning
message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages (red)
•Brake system symbol
H with the warning message
STOP BRAKE FLUID
SERVICE MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL .
•Coolant symbol
v with the warning message STOP SEE COOLANT
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•Engine oil pressure symbol
E with the warning message STOP ENGINE
OIL PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
Warning reports, Priority 2 (yellow)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompanied
by one audible warning . Check the corresponding function as soon as
possible although the vehicle may be used without risk.
If several priority 2 warning messages are detected at the same time, the
symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time. After
a set time, the information text will disappear and the symbol will be shown
as a reminder at the side of the display.
Priority 2 warning messages will not be shown until all Priority 1 warning
messages have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning messages (yellow):
10)
•Fuel warning light with the information text PLEASE REFUEL .•Windscreen washer fluid symbol
 with the information text REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . Top up the washer fluid level.
Information messages displayed on the screen*
10)Depending on the model version.
Message
a)
Description
SERVICE
The service interval has ended. Take the vehicle to an
authorised service.
IMMOBILISER
Immobiliser system active. The vehicle will not start. Take
the vehicle to an authorised service.
ERROR
Instrument panel faulty. Take the vehicle to an authorised
service.
CLEAN AIR
FILTER
Warning: The air filter must be cleaned
NO KEY
Warning: Correct key cannot be found in the vehicle.
KEY BATTERY
Warning: Key battery low. Change the battery.
CLUTCH
Warning: Press the clutch to start. In vehicles with manual
gearbox and Start/Stop system.
--> P/N
Warning: Place the selector level in P/N to start. Only in
vehicles with automatic gearbox.
--> P
Warning: Place the selector lever in position P to stop the
engine.
STARTING
Warning: The engine starts automatically. Start-Stop sys-
tem activated.
START
MANUALLY
Warning: The engine must be started manually. Start-Stop
system activated.
ERROR START
STOP
Warning: Start-Stop system error.
START STOP
IMPOSSIBLE
Warning: Although the Start-Stop system is switched on,
the engine cannot be stopped automatically. Not all the
necessary conditions are met
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 81 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12

Lights and visibility131
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
WARNING
•Worn and dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and safety levels while
driving.•In cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless
you have warmed the windscreen with the heating and ventilation system.
The washer fluid could otherwise freeze on the windscreen and obscure
your view of the road.•Always note the corresponding warnings on ⇒page 243, “Changing
windscreen wiper blades”.Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the wipers for the first time. If you switch on the wipers
when the wiper blades are frozen to the windscreen, you could damage both
the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
Note
•The windscreen wipers will only work when the ignition is switched on.•In certain versions of vehicles with alarms, the windscreen wiper will only
work when the ignition is on and the bonnet closed.•When in use, the wipers do not go as far as the rest position. When the
lever is moved to position 0, they are totally hidden.•T h e n e x t s p e e d d o w n w i ll a u t o m a t i ca ll y b e s e l e c t e d i f s p e e d ⇒page 130,
fig. 86 or is selected when the vehicle stops. The set speed will be
resumed when the vehicle starts again•The windscreen will be wiped again after approximately five seconds once
the “automatic wipe/wash system” has been operated, provided the vehicle
is in transit (drip function). If you activate the wipers less than three seconds
after the drip function, a new wash sequence will begin without the last wipe.
For the “drip” function to work again, you have to turn the ignition off and
then on again.
•When the “interval wipe function” is on, the intervals are directly propor-
tional to the speed. This way, the higher the vehicle speed the shorter the
intervals.•The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen.
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the
obstacle and switch the wiper back on again.•Before removing any objects that may be trapped in the side areas of the
windscreen, always move the wiper arms to the service position (horizontal).•The heat output of the heated jets is controlled automatically when the
ignition is switched on, depending upon the outside temperature.
A2
A3
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 131 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12

Air conditioning
170W h en t he but to n is of f, th e a ir co nd it io n ing s yste m is switch ed of f to sav e
fuel. The temperature continues to self-regulate. The set temperature can
then only be reached if it is higher than the outside temperature.
Driver and passenger temperature control
The button controls the synchronisation of the 2 Climatronic climate
zones.
When the button is on (LED lit), the climate zone of the Climatronic is
personalised, for example: Driver side temperature 22 °C and passenger side
temperature 23 °C.
When the button is off (LED off), the climate zone of the Climatronic is
synchronised, for example: Driver side temperature 22 °C and passenger side
temperature 22 °C.
If the button is off and the passenger side temperature is changed, the
function is automatically activated.Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells
from coming from the outside.–Press the button ⇒page 169, fig. 135 to switch air recir-
culation mode on or off. It is switched on if the following symbol
appears in the display
.
Air recirculation mode prevents strong odours in the ambient air from
entering the vehicle interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in
a traffic jam.
With low outside temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the heating system by heating the air inside the vehicle rather than
the air from outside. With high outside temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the air conditioning system by cooling the air inside the vehicle rather
than the ambient air.
If the windscreen air output is on and the air recirculation mode is pressed,
this remains active. When the recirculation mode is on, if the air distribution
towards the windscreen mode is selected, the recirculation mode is deacti-
vated. For safety reasons, the air recirculation mode should not be
connected.
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the outside enters the vehicle
interior. If the air conditioning system is switched off, the windows can
quickly mist over. Therefore, never leave the air recirculation mode
switched on for a long time (risk of accident).General notesPollution filter
The pollution filter (a combined particulate filter and active carbon filter)
serves as a barrier against impurities in the outside air, including dust and
pollen.
For the air conditioner to work with maximum efficiency, the pollution filter
must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Schedule.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas reaching very high
pollution levels, the pollen filter must be changed more frequently than
stated in the Service Schedule.
Air conditioner
When the air conditioning system is switched on, not only the temperature,
but also the air humidity in the vehicle interior is reduced. This improves
AC
DUAL
DUALDUAL
DUAL

A2
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 170 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12

Intelligent technology203
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Brake servo
The brake servo increases the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. The
brake servo works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
•When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and discs,
select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or endanger other
road users. Risk of accident.•Ensure the vehicle does not move while in neutral, when the engine is
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.Caution
•Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when it is
not necessary to brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce speed
and change to a lower gear (or move the gear lever to a lower gear position if
your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine braking
and prolongs the service life of the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes,
it is better to brake firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.Note
•If the brake servo is not functioning due to a malfunction, or if the vehicle
has to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder
to make up for the lack of servo assistance.•If you wish to equip the vehicle with accessories such as a front spoiler or
wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not
obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat.
Power steering (servotronic*)
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel
when the engine is running.Power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the
steering wheel. In cars equipped with servotronic* power steering the degree
of power assistance is regulated electronically according to road speed.
The power steering will keep on working even if the servotronic* device fails.
The degree of power assistance will, however, no longer adapt to different
speeds. If the electronic regulating system is not working properly, this is
most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (for instance
when parking), as more effor t will be required than usual. The fault should be
corrected by a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
Power steering does not work if the engine is off. In this case the steering
wheel requires much more force to turn.
If the steering is held at its turning limit when the vehicle is stationary, this
will place an excessive load on the power steering system. Turning the
steering wheel to its limit places a load on the system, which causes noise. It
will also reduce the idling speed of the engine.
Caution
When the engine is running, do not turn the steering wheel to its limit for
more than 15 seconds. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the power
steering.
Note
•The steering wheel can be turned even if the power steering fails or the
engine is switched off (for instance when being towed). However, more effort
will be required to turn the steering wheel.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 203 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12

Trailer towing211
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Trailer towingInstructions to followYour vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the vehicle is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already
have the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory require-
ments for towing a trailer. For the after-market fitting of a trailer towing
bracket see ⇒page 213.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available in any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If you do not load the trailer up to
the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspondingly
steeper slopes.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and there-
fore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced air
density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every 1000 m of height. The gross combination weight is the actual weight of
the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer. When possible,
operate the trailer with the maximum permitted drawbar load on th e ba ll jo int
of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified limit. The figures for
trailer weights and drawbar loads that are given on the data
plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct
figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the
towing bracket, are given in the vehicle documents or in ⇒Section “Tech-
nical Data”.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them
moving.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case, you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
•Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 211 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12

Checking and refilling levels
236If the b onn et d o es n ot clos e , do not p ress d ownwa rds . Op e n it o nce m or e an d
let it fall as before.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it could open while you are driving and
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The
bonnet must be flush with the surrounding body panels.•If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk
of accident.
Engine oilGeneral notesThe engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme
cold.
As the use of good quality oil is necessary for the correct operation and long
service life of the engine, when it becomes necessary to replenish or change
the oil, always use an oil that complies with VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should
appear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the
specific standards for petrol and diesel engines together, it means that the
oil can be used for both types of engines.
We recommend that the oil change, indicated in the Maintenance
Programme, be performed by an Authorised Service Centre or a specialised
workshop. The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in
⇒page 237, “Oil
properties”.
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife service) or fixed (dependent on
time/distance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the Maintenance Programme
booklet is QG1, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service
programmed. If it has the codes QG0 or QG2 the interval service is dependent
on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife*)
Special oils and processes have been developed which, depending on the
characteristics and individual driving profiles, allow to extend the oil change
service (LongLife service intervals).
Because this oil is essential for extending the service intervals, it must only
be used observing the following indications:
•Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service intervals.•Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 237 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up (once)
with oil for fixed service intervals ⇒ page 237 (up to a maximum of 0.5
litres).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife service interval” or it has been
disabled (by request), you may use oils for fixed service intervals, which also
appear in ⇒page 237, “Oil properties”. In this case, your vehicle must be
serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15,000 km (whatever comes first)
⇒ Booklet “Maintenance Programme”.•In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 237 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you can
put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification ACEA A2 or
ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel engines) (up to 0.5 l).
AlteaXL_EN.book Seite 236 Donnerstag, 9. September 2010 12:13 12